Sale of historic house is opposed
A Georgian building valued at about £1 million may be sold by a council.
A Georgian building valued at about £1 million may be sold by a council.
Grade II listed Donegal House, in the heart of the city centre, houses Lichfield Arts and mayor's parlour.
The future of the Bore Street venue, dating from 1730, is a key decision in Lichfield District's Council's forward plan – taking effect on September 1. Alan Thompson, of Lichfield Civic Society said: "You can't put a monetary value on it because it can't be replaced – it is genuinely part of our heritage. It sounds more like a backwards plan than a forward one.
"You can't sell off the family silver just because you happen to be a bit broke at the time.
"It would seem to be a bit puzzling to say the least as to why this has come up – unless the council is broke."
Councillor Margaret Stanhope, Lichfield District Council cabinet member for democratic and legal services, said that, at the moment, it was simply an option and nothing had been decided.
She said: "In today's financial climate it's important that we investigate how we can make the best use of all our assets.
"At this early stage are simply looking at the sale of Donegal House as a possible option and absolutely no decisions have been made."
Estimates vary as to how much the building is worth but estimates suggest it could net the council £1 million.
Donegal House was renovated relatively recently thanks to a grant from Europe.
It has been used as a base for Lichfield Arts and is next door to the Guildhall where most of the arts organisation's events are staged.